Kodiak prepares for 2,578 cruise passengers in one week

Local vendors and tourism businesses are preparing for nearly 2,600 cruise passengers arriving in Kodiak on two port calls in late June, with coordinated welcome events planned at the cruise dock and downtown marketplace.

Crystal Symphony arrives Sunday, June 21, carrying 606 passengers for a nine-hour port call from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Noordam follows Tuesday, June 23, with 1,972 passengers aboard for a nine-hour call from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Discover Kodiak is coordinating both welcome events from 100 E. Marine Way. Visitors are invited to explore Kodiak's historic downtown, enjoy local restaurants and shops, learn about the town's fishing heritage, and take in the scenery.

BearTown Market at Kodiak Marketplace will run 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on June 23 to welcome Noordam passengers and crew. Vendors will offer handmade goods, artwork, and jewelry at the market, located at 111 Rezanof Dr W.

The arrivals come as cruise tourism draws broader attention. In remarks captured in regional coverage, a question to a public official noted that a record number of cruise ships are scheduled for the upcoming season and residents are raising concerns about overcrowding and infrastructure strain.